About

Equity

Equity is not the same as formal equality. Formal equality implies sameness. Equity, on the other hand, assumes difference and takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and, ultimately, a fair (or equitable) outcome. Equity recognizes that some groups were (and are) disadvantaged in accessing educational and employment opportunities and are, therefore, underrepresented or marginalized in many organizations and institutions. The effects of that exclusion often linger systemically within organizational policies, practices and procedures. Equity, therefore, means increasing diversity by ameliorating conditions of disadvantaged groups. (Adapted from National Association of Social Workers)

Adopted by ALA Council in 2017 per the recommendation of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Diversity

Diversity can be defined as the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. Visible diversity is generally those attributes or characteristics that are external. However, diversity goes beyond the external to internal characteristics that we choose to define as ‘invisible’ diversity. Invisible diversity includes those characteristics and attributes that are not readily seen. When we recognize, value, and embrace diversity, we are recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual. (Adapted from National Education Association)

Adopted by ALA Council in 2017 per the recommendation of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Adopted by ALA Council in 2017 per the recommendation of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

In 2014, then ALA-President Barbara Stripling formed the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The mission of the Task Force was to “develop a plan and strategic actions to build more equity, diversity, and inclusion among our members, the field of librarianship, and our communities.” (Final Report of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, June 2016). One of the 58 recommendations of the task force was to create a clearinghouse (speakers bureau) of people with expertise in equity, diversity, and inclusiveness to aid program planners in choosing speakers.

Disclaimer:

Being listed on the EDI Speakers’ Bureau does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by the American Library Association. We encourage anyone using the Bureau to coordinate directly with the speaker and vet the potential speaker independently.